- A
Console login uses local authentication; VTY login uses local authentication; exec accounting is sent to TACACS+.
Correct. The console uses the 'CONSOLE' method list (local), VTY uses the 'default' method list (local), and accounting is configured with start-stop to group tacacs+.
- B
Console login uses TACACS+ authentication; VTY login uses local authentication; exec accounting is disabled.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Console uses the 'CONSOLE' list (local), not TACACS+. Accounting is enabled with start-stop to TACACS+.
- C
Both console and VTY login use TACACS+ authentication; exec accounting is sent to TACACS+.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Both authentication lists specify 'local', not TACACS+.
- D
Console login uses local authentication; VTY login uses TACACS+ authentication; accounting is not configured.
Why wrong: Incorrect. VTY uses the 'default' list (local), not TACACS+. Accounting is configured.
CCNP AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of aaa, radius, and tacacs+. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Examine the following AAA configuration snippet:
aaa new-model aaa authentication login default local aaa authentication login CONSOLE local aaa authorization exec default local aaa accounting exec default start-stop group tacacs+ line con 0
login authentication CONSOLE
line vty 0 4
login authentication default
What is the effect of this configuration?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Console login uses local authentication; VTY login uses local authentication; exec accounting is sent to TACACS+.
The configuration defines authentication methods for console and VTY lines, authorization for exec sessions, and accounting for exec commands. The console uses the 'CONSOLE' method list (local), while VTY lines use the 'default' method list (local). Accounting is enabled for exec sessions, sending start-stop records to TACACS+.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Console login uses local authentication; VTY login uses local authentication; exec accounting is sent to TACACS+.
Why this is correct
Correct. The console uses the 'CONSOLE' method list (local), VTY uses the 'default' method list (local), and accounting is configured with start-stop to group tacacs+.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Console login uses TACACS+ authentication; VTY login uses local authentication; exec accounting is disabled.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Console uses the 'CONSOLE' list (local), not TACACS+. Accounting is enabled with start-stop to TACACS+.
- ✗
Both console and VTY login use TACACS+ authentication; exec accounting is sent to TACACS+.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Both authentication lists specify 'local', not TACACS+.
- ✗
Console login uses local authentication; VTY login uses TACACS+ authentication; accounting is not configured.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. VTY uses the 'default' list (local), not TACACS+. Accounting is configured.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ — This question tests AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Console login uses local authentication; VTY login uses local authentication; exec accounting is sent to TACACS+. — The configuration defines authentication methods for console and VTY lines, authorization for exec sessions, and accounting for exec commands. The console uses the 'CONSOLE' method list (local), while VTY lines use the 'default' method list (local). Accounting is enabled for exec sessions, sending start-stop records to TACACS+.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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